How is Gestalt therapy different from other psychotherapies?

When people consider relationship counselling, they’re often looking for more than advice or a list of communication tips. They’re seeking real change – a shift in how they relate to themselves and others. Gestalt therapy offers a powerful and grounded approach to this change. 

At Gestalt Encounters, we focus on helping individuals, couples, and families reconnect with their needs, emotions, and each other in a meaningful way.

So what makes Gestalt therapy different from other approaches?

What is Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is a holistic and experiential form of psychotherapy. Rather than focusing on past events or interpreting behaviour through diagnostic labels, Gestalt supports people to become more aware of their present-moment experiences – what you’re feeling, thinking, sensing, and doing right now.

This awareness becomes the doorway to change.

Gestalt sees each person as a whole – not just a collection of symptoms or behaviours. It helps you explore the patterns that show up in relationships, and gives you space to experiment with new ways of being.

How Gestalt differs from other therapies:

1. Here and now focus

While traditional psychotherapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) often emphasise thinking patterns or past experiences, Gestalt invites you to notice what’s happening right now. This is especially useful in relationships, where real-time awareness of emotions and body language can unlock insight and connection.

2. Relational and experiential

Gestalt is not just “talk therapy.” It’s relational. That means your connection with the therapist becomes an experience that reflects and reveals patterns in other relationships. You might notice how you hold back, deflect, blame, or reach out – and explore that safely in the room.

Gestalt also uses experiments – guided explorations like role plays, dialogues, or movement – to help bring new awareness. You don’t just talk about change; you feel it and try it on.

3. Whole-person awareness

Gestalt invites you to pay attention to the mind-body connection. What is your body doing when you feel unheard by your partner? Do you shut down, clench your jaw, stop breathing? These signals matter. They tell a story that words alone might miss.

Gestalt in relationship counselling

In relationship therapy at Gestalt Encounters, we look beyond the surface issues (like fights about money or parenting) to explore what’s underneath. Often it’s about needs, longings, or patterns of protection learned long ago.

Here’s how Gestalt therapy can help with:

Communication issues

Rather than rehearsing scripts, Gestalt helps you notice what’s really going on when you feel misunderstood. Are you holding back? Speaking too fast? Is your partner retreating? Learning to stay present can shift how you both communicate.

Emotional disconnection

We explore what gets in the way of contact. Is it fear, hurt, exhaustion? Gestalt therapy helps you become more aware of what you feel – and express it with clarity and care.

Conflict and repetitive patterns

Instead of getting stuck in who’s right or wrong, we explore the process of the conflict. What do each of you do when tension rises? What are you trying to protect? This focus creates room for compassion and change.

Personal growth within relationships

Gestalt therapy encourages each partner to take responsibility for their own growth, rather than expecting the other to change. This shift often brings relief – and deepens intimacy.

What counselling with Gestalt therapy looks like

At Gestalt Encounters, counselling sessions are warm, respectful, and collaborative. Whether you come alone or with your partner, the focus is on curiosity, not judgement. We may sit with strong feelings, try a creative exercise, or reflect together on how you relate.

We’ll work at your pace. You don’t need to “perform” or “have it all figured out.” The work is in showing up and staying present.

Is Gestalt therapy right for you?

Gestalt therapy might be the right fit for you if you're looking for a therapy that:

• Goes beyond advice.

• Helps you become more self-aware.

• Supports real, felt change in how you relate.

Whether you’re facing a specific challenge in your relationship or just feel disconnected and unsure, we’re here to walk alongside you.

Reach Out

To learn more about how Gestalt relationship counselling could support you, get in touch with us at Gestalt Encounters. Together, we can explore what’s getting in the way – and open the door to new connection and clarity.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash